Happy Birthday Big Ben: the world's most famous clock is 150 today!

Big Ben marks 150th anniversary The clock tower in Parliament Square, Westminster, is being given a spring clean following a year of activities in recognition of the landmark. Technically Big Ben refers only to the clock's largest bell, but has become synonymous with the clock tower itself. The bell, cast in Whitechapel on 10 April 1858, was first rung in the Great Westminster Clock on 31 May 1859. (link via BBC News) Big Ben 1859 -2009 (official Home Page) UK Parliament - Big Ben (Clock Tower tour) and Google honoured Big Ben with a special google doodle: Google Doodle: Big Ben 150 years - UK Edited to add this information from the official site: Tours of the tower are free and open to UK residents who have requested a visit through their local MP. Children under the age of 11 are not permitted. Tours for overseas visitors are currently not permitted. Please note that it is not possible to queue on the day to tour the tower - advance bookings must be made through your MP.

Britain's Got Talent 2009 Final: The winner is Diversity!

Britain's Got Talent 2009: Final
The following are the 10 acts selected for the final:

Susan Boyle - singer
Diversity - dance troupe
Shaun Smith (age 17) - singer
Flawless - dance troupe
Stavros Flatley - Father and son comedy dance duo
Shaheen Jafargholi (age 12) singer
Julian Smith - Saxophonist
2 Grand - Grandfather and granddaughter singing act
Aidan Davis (age 11) - dancer
Hollie Steel (age 10) - singer

Only one act can win this talent contest though and tonight we find out who wins.

The winner gets to perform their act for Prince Charles at the prestigious Royal Variety Show, and pick up a cheque for £100,000

The BGT Final is starting now. Will Susan Boyle win? Who knows? There are 10 acts and they are all good.

Intro, Piers said it's really nice that we have something that takes our minds off of the greedy bankers and corrupt politicians. Here Here.

Flawless, the dance troupe are up first. Wow - they are good! They look like professionals.Very inventive act & flawless moves!

Simon said, "You didn't put a foot wrong." Piers said, "I'm not sure there are many other dance troupes as good as you in the world now. Amanda - "You make me proud to be British. It's the best performance you've done yet. Well done."

Shaheen Jafargholi is next. What a voice - and he's only 12. Amazing talent! He's so cute too - I love his dimples! The other contestants have got to follow two great acts.

Piers - "Absolutely unbelievable. That was incredible! You have got better and better."
Amanda - "Utterly extraordinary. Absolute star quality. Amazing, well done, stronger and stronger everytime."
Simon - "I'm of two minds - after last night - about putting kids on the show. but after that performance, why shouldn't we? Win or lose. this is a great thing that happened to you. Super talent and I have to say this - you're in with a good chance of winning this."

Advert break.

Aidan Davis is next. He was very, very good again but.. his act looked very much the same as his previous performance. I don't think he had time to think up something new after just being on last night's show.

Amanda - "I love your genius dancing. superstar attitude, a superstar waiting to happen, absolutely fantastic."
Simon - "Great but I have to be honest with you - not as good as last night. You still have your talent and whatever happens you still have a future ahead of you."
Piers - "I don't agree. People have to remember you are self-taught and you are brilliant. You were better than last night."

2 Grand (the grandfather and granddaughter singing act) are on now. They sang "A whole new world" and performed well together, good but not brilliant. They are a very charming act, very sweet but I don't think they aren't good enough to win.

Simon - "I think nerves got the best of you tonight. You've got as far as you are going to go. I don't think you're going to win."
Piers -"I'm so pleased you're here. The fact that you made it is an incredible tribute to you two."
Amanda - "I fell in love with the pair of you."

advert

Hollie Steel - She sang beautifully - no tears tonight! What a perfect performance. I have to say she has a beautiful voice - and probably has a very good chance of winning. And she's only 10 years old.

Piers - "You were great, you sang absolutely beautifully", "looked confident", like a star," "wonderful."
Amanda - "You were better than yesterday." and " look beautiful."
Simon - "You were fantastic. You coped with all the pressure and handled it beautifully. You are back in the competition, not through pity but through talent, and that's where you want to be."

Stavros Flatley - They are always very entertaining. I love watching their act. And they were great again tonight. I love the way the father and son so obviously enjoy doing their act together. And they really love each other which is obvious. It's great to see.

Amanda - "I'm fit to burst. You're my secret favourite act. I want you to win the show."
Simon - "Absolute utter genius. it's about how people make you feel and for whatever reason, you make people feel good. It's an absolute privilege and honour to have you on the show."
Piers - "It would be absolutely hilarious if you two performed at the royal variety show."

Advert

Shaun Smith is next. I think he's a great singer. And his performance tonight was just as good as his first perfomance. Such a natural talent. And he's so young - only 17.

Simon - "You gave the performance of your life. You sang the song beautifully. Great voice. You have a great shot at it. Well done."
Piers - "great performance."
Amanda - "vocally fantastic."

Susan Boyle is next! I thought they'd save her for last but they didn't. I'm disappointed that she chose to sing the same song as on her first audition. She's still a beautiful singer though. The audience are on their feet. She was wonderful. But will the British public vote for her? She has some tough competition.

Piers - "Wow. You've had a very difficult week, center of negative attention. And you sing better than you did last time. That to me was the greatest performance in BGT. You should win. I loved it."
Amanda - "You sang it so well this evening. You did it for Scotland. You did it for Great Britain."
Simon -"You had the guts to come back and face your critics. I got to know the real Susan. You can walk away with your head held high. I absolutely adore you."

Advert

Diversity are up next. Brilliant!! Amazing! Brilliant! Wow! Diversity are incredible. Honestly, they are a super talented dance troupe. I think they could win the competition. (funny, I keep saying that about nearly every act but they are all so very talented).

Amanda - "You rendered me speechless. Your choreography is second to none. I think you blew Flawless out of the water. There is room for you somewhere out there. A real contender tonight. There is no assumption about who will win this show."
Simon - "Right now all bets are off. If I was giving marks, I'd give you 10. There was not a step out of place, sheer and utter perfection."
Piers said "I thought flawless did better." (I think he's wrong. Diversity are incredible and much better)

Julian Smith, the saxophonist is the final act. Lovely. He's such a class act. I think everyone enjoys listening to him play. He seems like such a nice guy too.

Simon -"You did it, you gave the performance of your life. Brilliant, you have every talent."
Piers - "This was an absolutely perfect way to end the night - so naturally talented and so cool as well."
Amanda -"You've got a career after that. You're going to go a long way."

The audience vote is in: the top three acts are Susan Boyle, Julian Smith & Diversity.

Julian Smith came in third place and Susan Boyle earned second place.

The winner is: Diversity!!!

Britain's Got Talent 2009:semi final 5:Aidan Davis & Hollie Steel make the final

Britain's Got Talent 2009 The last of the semi-finals with eight more acts: First up is The Dream Bears. They are a trio of men doing a comedy dance. I think they are funny (and quite camp) but not that talented. Simon buzzed them, which didn't surprise me. And he told them it was "a bit clumsy and the costumes didn't fit." True. Piers said he found it very funny and said he loved it. Amanda said "it was a lovely bit of credit crunch camp." Good Evans a family singing group are next. Oh dear, I don't think they are doing very well - Piers buzzed them when they had barely started. The eldest, Elliot is the one with the talent. The mom and dad and two daughters not so much. Piers aaid Elliot is the star but the whole act was a disaster. Amanda said she thought it was "a great performance, well done." Simon said it wasn't the right song for Elliot's voice. I doubt they will get through to the final. And now it's Luke Clements the Juggler/Street Performer. He was quite good in his first performance - very entertaining. I wonder what he will do tonight. Well not good at all. Simon buzzed him, then Amanda and then Piers so he didn't even get to finish his act. What a shame. I was impressed with how he juggled the fire sticks. Amanda said he wasn't unique like in his audition,and that he was just a run of the mill juggler. Piers said his act didn't go to another level. The next act is 10-year-old Hollie Steel. She impressed the judges with her singing but not her dancing in her audition. She's just singing tonight though, not dancing - which is very wise. She's singing "Eidelweiss" from The Sound of Music. What a beautiful voice. Oh dear, she started to fall apart - from nerves I think - and they had to stop the show because she started to break down and appeared to be crying. Holly wants to start over again and was told they don't have time so she sobbed even more. Poor little girl. The show is live and everything stopped while her mother tried to comfort her as did Amanda and the hosts, Ant & Dec. They went to an advert break but Simon promised Hollie they will try to find the time so she can do it again. So after the advert, they announced that Hollie will return later in the programme after she has time to compose herself. Martin Machum a guitarist/singer is next. I remember that after his first performance, his mother in law marched out and told off Simon. Very funny that! Anyway, he's good but not that good. Simon buzzed him. Amanda said she loved it and thought he had improved. Simon didn't like his voice and didn't like the guitar playing but liked the band. Poor guy. I think he knows he won't get through to the final. 12-year-old Aidan Davis, a very talented dancer is on now. Wow - he's really fantastic, even better than his audition! That boy can really dance. Amanda said he "absolutely blew me away." Simon told him, "whatever it is, you've got it. Great charisma, great routine." And Piers told him "you've got something very special." Hollie Steel is back again. I'm so glad the producers of the show decided to give her a second chance because she is a very talented singer. Simon told her "You are officially now the bravest girl in the world." And he added that she "performed beautifully." Piers said she "did one of the gutsiest things", and that she should be very proud of herself, and that she is "a beautiful singer." Amanda said, "Hollie, I knew you could do it. You have a beautiful, innocent, pure voice. Well done." DCD Seniors, a dance troupe are on next. They are good but I wouldn't say they are brilliant. Simon and Piers said there have been a lot of dance groups on already. Amanda said they have the sparkle that we need in the final. I think she was just being kind. Greg Pritchard the male soprano is the final act on tonight's show. Simon buzzed him shortly after he started singing. I thought he was very good - it was weird though to hear him switch from a normal man's voice to a high female sounding voice. Piers told him his act was "extraordinary, weird but I loved it" and that he was "totally unique, oringinal." Amanda said he was "a little bit shaky, lost your timing, surprising good performance" Simon said that "at one point I thought I was in the middle of a horror movie." I thought that was a very cruel remark. Paul Potts is the special guest performer on tonight's show. Now it's down to the audience vote and the audience chose Aidan Davis. The judges have to choose between second and third place as chosen by the audience. They are Hollie Steel and Greg Pritchard. All three judges chose Hollie Steel. So the two acts (from tonight's semi-final)going through to the final are Aidan Davis and Hollie Steel. I think they are the two that deserved to go through. What do you think? The final is on tomorrow evening - Saturday, 30th May. I think it is going to be a very exciting show! The following are the 10 acts selected for the final: Susan Boyle - singer Diversity - dance troupe Shaun Smith - singer Flawless - dance troupe Stavros Flatley - Father and son comedy dance duo Shaheen Jafargholi (age 12) singer Julian Smith - Saxophonist 2 Grand - Grandfather and granddaughter singing act Aidan Davis (age 11) - dancer Hollie Steel (age 10) - singer Related posts from my blog: Britain's Got Talent 2009: Singing sensation Susan Boyle Britain's Got Talent 2009: Hollie Steel - little girl with a big voice Britain's Got Talent 2009: Episode 4: Jamie Pugh sings "Bring Him Home" - another star in the making Britain's Got Talent 2009: Episode 5 - Shaun Smith impresses judges Britain's Got Talent 2009: Episode 6 : 11-yr-old Aiden Davis steals the show Britain's Got Talent 2009: first semi final: Susan Boyle & Diversity through to final Britain's Got Talent 2009: second semi-final/Shaun Smith and Flawless will be in final Britain's Got Talent 2009: semi-final 3: Stavros Flatly & Shaheen Jafargholi make the final Britain's Got Talent 2009:semi final 4: Julian Smith & 2 Grand make the final Britain's Got Talent 2009 Final: The winner is Diversity!

New series on Blighty: 'Made in Britain' starts Monday 8th June at 8pm

The UK TV channel, Blighty is about to launch a new TV show called Made in Britain. The idea behind the show is simple: The award-winning television comedian Dom Joly, will go on a road trip around Britain in an attempt to fill his quaint country cottage in the Cotswolds from top to bottom with British-made products after his house is emptied of everything not "made in Britain." Each of the five episodes of Made In Britain will show Dom tackling a different room in his house in his quest to replace its foreign goods with British-made products. Dom discusses how it felt to have his house stripped of a third of its contents: Sounds like it will be an interesting and fun show to watch! 'Made in Britain' starts Monday 8th June at 8pm Blighty is on Sky 534 and Virgin TV 206. Find out more about Made in Britain and Blighty: www.loveblighty.co.uk Follow Blighty on Twitter: @Love_Blighty http://twitter.com/Love_Blighty Join Made in Britain on Facebook

Britain's Got Talent 2009:semi final 4: Julian Smith & 2 Grand make the final

Britain's Got Talent 2009: The fourth semi-final The show started with the all-girls dance troupe SugarFree. They were okay but I doubt they will get voted through to the final. Amanda liked them. Simon said, "Yeah, it was good but I don't think it was brilliant. It was a little bit too stage school." Piers said they are "the best girl dance group we've seen" which makes me think the other girl dance groups must have been very bad! Jackie Prescott and her dancing dog, Tippy Toes are next. They looked quite sweet but they just aren't special enough, in my opinion to warrant a place in the final. Piers actually buzzed them before they finished - I don't think they were that bad. Simon said, "I'm a little bit disappointed. I thought she [Tippy Toes] was going to tap dance." Now that would have been something. Piers made a snide comment comparing the dog to Wayne Rooney's performance in the football game last night, and Amanda said that I can see she's improved but felt it was a "lukewarm" performance and "just not that good." The next act is 12-year-old Callum Francis. I was really impressed with his first performance (and so were the judges) but I thought his act tonight - singing and dancing to a Jungle Book medly, although good - wasn't as good as his first performance. All three judges loved his act though! Piers said he is "a natural little performer" and "a little star" and Amanda said she had "died and gone to heaven" and that his act was "perfection". Simon admitted that Jungle Book is his favourite film of all time and that it was a "great routine, great fun" and "expect to see you in the final". Fred Bowers, the 73-year-old breakdancer was very good, considering his age but I agree with Amanda's view when she said, "Well done, Fred, but I don't think it's good enough for the final." Simon said it was "great fun" and "I like you." Piers told Fred that he is "a great inspiration." Brit Chix the girl rock band were next. Oh dear, they really weren't at their best, I don't think. Simon buzzed them almost as soon as they started, followed by Amanda buzzing them and then Piers so they didn't even get to finish their act. They did not do well at all. Simon said they "sounded fake" and that their "playing was awful and their singing was awful" and they were "just horrible". Piers said "the look is terrific" [that's true] but that they weren't horrible and Amanda told them they have a "great look" and "potential." Julian Smith the saxophonist had the next turn. I loved his first performance and he was just as good, if not better this time. He's just fantastic! Piers said he is "probably the coolest contestant" and that he gave a "brilliant performance". Amanda told Julian that he got the "warmest reaction of the night" and "played beautifully." Simon told Julian that "I normally hate these kind of acts" but liked that Julian is "humble, ambitious" and that "has a great chance to win." 2 Grand,(Sally and John)a grandfather-granddaughter duo were next. They were very good, even better than their first performance and the audience loved them. So did the judges. Amanda said it was "a fantastic performance" with "something for everybody." Simon told them that he "really, really liked you two. You're not the best singers in the world but you have complete and utter sincerity." Piers said they are "a genuine act - what the show is about." The last act was the burlesque dancer, Fabia Cerra. She was very entertaining but it's highly unlikely she would be voted through to the final. Simon said he "absolutely loved it" and that he adored her "great spirit, great fun." Piers said she was "just magnificent" and Amanda said it was a "stop the traffic dance routine." The viewers voted for the saxophonist Julian Smith (yes!) and the judges have to decide between 2 Grand or Callum Francis. Simon chose 2 Grand & Amanda chose 2 Grand too! Piers said he would have chosen Callum. I'm so pleased that the viewers voted for the saxophonist Julian Smith - he's fantastic & really deserves to be in the final. It's a shame that Callum didn't get through to the final but he's young and he will have lots more chances for fame & fortune. So the two performers from tonight's show going through to the final are: Julian Smith and 2 Grand What did you think of the show tonight?

Britain's Got Talent 2009: semi-final 3: Stavros Flatly & Shaheen Jafargholi make the final

Britain's Got Talent It's time for the third semi-final, as eight more acts compete to reach the final. First, two girls called, Harmony. Piers and Amanda loved them but I agree with Simon, "I thought everything was great other than the singing." Kay Oresanya ,"The Living Saxophone" is next. How on earth did he get through to the semi-final? I mean really. Simon buzzed him but Amanda loved him & Piers said he is "a musical innovator". Once again, I agree with Simon. Ben and Becky, the brother and sister ballroom dancers are on now. Very good they are too but I'm not sure they are good enough to go through to the final. And Simon said pretty much the same thing just now. Oh dear, and he made Becky cry. But Piers and Amanda said they loved their act so that should make her feel better. Shaheen Jafargholi is next. Piers thought his performance was the best singing performance in the semi-finals so far! And Amanda loved him too. And Simon said he is a real contender for winning the competition. I thought he was better in his first performance. And now it's The Barrow Boys. They do some very clever and entertaining wheelbarrow dancing. They weren't that great tonight though and Simon and Piers buzzed them very soon after they started. Amanda "thought it was utterly brilliant". The MD Showgroup, a group of dancers are next. They do some very energetic dancing, and Simon thought "they are absolutely brilliant" and Piers liked the message that they are giving. Amanda loved their passion. Floral High Notes are on. How on earth did they get into the semi-finals? Flower arranging and opera singing - such a bizarre act. Simon buzzed them already. I would too if I could. I think opera singing on its own would be okay but with flower arranging? Piers thought the Queen would love their act because it embraced gardening and classical music. Amanda said she couldn't find anything to criticise about them. Simon said they are very nice people but he thinks the Queen is more modern than Piers thinks and would like something more relevant. Now the next act is one of my favourites! Stavros Flatly are a father and son that do a comedy dance act. I loved them in their first audition and I loved them again tonight. Amanda, Simon and Piers loved them too. After the adverts, we will find out which act is voted through to the finals. And the judges get to choose the second place winner from the next two most popular acts. The most popular act was Stavros Flatly and the judges get to pick between Shaheen Jafargholi and MD Showgroup. Simon picked MD Showgroup and Amanda picked Shaheen Jafargholi. So it's up to Piers and he picked Shaheen too. The acts going through to the final are: Stavros Flatly and Shaheen Jafargholi. What did you think of tonight's show? Do you agree with the two acts that are going through to the final? I thought it would be Stavros Flatley and MD Showgroup.

Britain's Got Talent 2009: second semi-final/Shaun Smith and Flawless will be in final

Britain's Got Talent It's time for the second live semi-final as another eight acts perform tonight. DJ Talent is first. How did he get through to the semi-finals? And he didn't get buzzed off tonight either! I'm sure the girls pole-dancing during his act didn't hurt. Piers and Amanda loved him but Simon said he's "a musical nightmare". And I agree with Simon! Merlin Cadogan, the escape artist is next. Okay, he's a talented escapologist and he did an impressive act but still I don't think he is in the same leaugue as the other talent. The Hot Honeyz, an all-female dance group, made up of nine girls aged 18 to 25, are on now. Piers and Simon buzzed before they finished. I agree with Simon, that their act "was just okay" but Amanda thought they were great. Next, the singing pizza delivery man, Jamie Pugh. Oh dear, he doesn't sound as good as he did on his first audition. Amanda even buzzed him before he finished. He just didn't sound that good tonight. What a shame. Peter Coghlan also known as "Mama Trish" doing the drag act just looks disgusting to me. Simon and Amanda buzzed his act but Piers let him finish. Gareth Oliver the ventriloquist is on now. He's good. Simon buzzed him before he finished. He said he's "seen thousands and thousands of people do this kind of act better." Amanda and Piers liked him though. Shaun Smith is next. I remember how impressive he was in his audition. He started out very softly and then he let loose with his voice. Wow - what a voice. He's a potential star in the making. He's fantastic! Simon said, "For the first time tonight, I actually believed I was judging a talent show! Flawless, the dance troupe are on now. Incredible dancers! Very impressive act. Simon said, "They are one of his favourite acts in the show." Flawless really are flawless. I think the two acts to go through tonight should be Flawless and Shaun Smith. The public get to vote for their favourite act now and we find out the result after the adverts. The judges get to choose the second place winner from the next two most popular acts. The public chose Flawless so now the question is which acts are in second and third place. The judges have to choose between Shaun Smith and Gareth Oliver. Simon chose Shaun, and Piers chose Gareth so Amanda has to choose now. Amanda chose Shaun (phew!) so Shaun Smith and Flawless are the two acts from tonight's show who are going through to the final. I'm pleased.

Follow Nathan Winters on a Bike Ride Across America

I think this is so cool. I read about Nathan Winters on twitter and just had to post about him on my blog: Follow Nathan Winters on a Real Time Interactive Bike Ride Across America to Support the Nature Conservancy! Nathan started his journey from Belfast, Maine on May 10th, 2009 and plans to ride from Maine to Washington State over the course of 4 – 6 months. You can follow Nathan on his blog: Follow Nathan and on Twitter: @follownathan The Nature Conservancy Follow Nathan. org

Britain's Got Talent 2009: first semi final: Susan Boyle & Diversity through to final

Tonight's Britain's Got Talent is the first of five semi-finals. Eight acts will compete in each of the five shows. The act with the highest number of public votes goes through to the final. The second and third-placed acts will be competing for the judges' choice. Thus, two acts from each semi-final will go through to the live grand final on Saturday May 30th. Susan Boyle is among the acts who will perform live on tonight's show, along with comedy dance duo Faces Of Disco, Darth Vader/Michael Jackson impersonator Darth Jackson, dance troupe Diversity, violinist Sue Son, belly dancer Julia Naidenko, street performer Nick Hell and 10-year-old singer Natalie Okri. And so, it begins. The first semi-final of the current series is starting now. Diversity are up first. Wow - they are even more impressive tonight than they were in their first audition. The judges are raving about how good they are. Violinist, Sue Son is the next act. And she is just amazing (reminds me of Vanessa-Mae). Darth Jackson is next. I still can't believe he was voted through to the semi-finals. He's dressed up like Darth Vader but doing a Michael Jackson style dance to "Thriller". Simon pressed his buzzer before he even started! The most exciting moment of his act was when Ant & Dec persuaded "Darth Jackson" to take off his mask. The adorable Natalie Okri is on. She's only ten years old - so sweet and confident. I was more impressed with her first performance though. I agree with Simon, when he said that he wouldn't have chosen that song for her. I didn't think the song suited her at all. And the dancing style was much too old for her. Julia Naidenko, the belly dancer is on now. She's very good but I still don't think she deserved to be in the semi-finals. What do you think? Amanda buzzed her tonight and yet she voted yes for her at her first audition. Both Piers and Simon (of course) were all enthusiastic about her. Now Nick Hell is about to perform. I'm dreading it. He's the one who lifts things up with hooks in his ear lobes, etc. I'm afraid I can't look at the TV - I just glanced and he was drilling his nose. Thankfully, he was buzzed off by all three judges before he could finish. So why was he put through to the semi-finals? What a repulsive act. Amanda and Simon both said he isn't family entertainment. I feel sorry for all the decent - and talented! - acts that didn't get through. Faces of Disco are on now. Yes, they are entertaining but I don't think they are particularly talented. They wear various masks of celebrities while they dance. Big deal. Do you think they deserved to be in the semi-finals? And the last act tonight is...Susan Boyle. Clips of all the publicity about her are being played first as Amanda said, "This woman from a little village in Scotland has the whole world talking about her." Susan is singing "Memory" from Cats. Beautiful - although I think she missed a note at the start but then what do I know (I'm not musical at all). Piers made a very nice speech about her providing some hope and inspiration in the world and said, "On behalf of the whole world, thank you Susan". Amanda said she nailed that performance. Simon apologized for the way they pre-judged her the first time. Now the public get to phone in their votes. Which two acts from tonight's show will go through to the final? And the public voted for Susan Boyle to go through. Surprise, surprise. The judges get to choose from the next two most popular acts voted by the public; Diversity and Natalie Okri. Piers chose Diversity. Amanda chose Natalie. Simon chose Diversity. So Diversity go through to the final. I agree with the decision for Diversity to go through but feel sorry for Natalie. She's crying. This kind of talent show is hard on children. So the two acts going through to the final from tonight's semi-final are Diversity and Susan Boyle. Tomorrow night is another semi-final. What did you think of tonight's show. Do you agree with the choices?

Britain's Got Talent 7 - final auditions & The Final 40

Britain's Got Talent In tonight's show, all the successful acts are being called back for a second audition. And from these acts, 40 will be picked by the judges to compete in the semi-finals, which starts tomorrow. There will be five semi-finals with eight acts performing in each show and two acts from each semi-final will be voted to go through to the live grand final on Saturday May 30th. First, though there are the final auditions: David Watson singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was awful so why did it take ages for Amanda to buzz him off? In fact, Piers pushed her hand on the buzzer. The three farmers with their wheelbarrows got three yes votes which is quite something since Simon and Piers initially buzzed no and then changed their minds. Julia the bellydancer was popular - especially with the men - and got a yes from all three judges. The brother & sister dancers were impressive and got three yes votes. The man picking various things up with a hook through his earlobes or his nose was disgusting but Piers loved it. Simon thought it wouldn't appeal to the Queen (and I agree) and Amanda found it "quite entertaining". Piers and Amanda said yes but Simon said he never wanted to see him again. The lady singing like Maria Callas got three no votes. Kieran the 12-year-old drummer was amazing! The audience were on their feet. Simon said his act was "totally and utterly brilliant" and he got three yes votes. I liked the lady with Tippytoes the dog. They were entertaining. And got three yes votes. Fred Bowers, age 73, impressed everyone with breakdancing. He got three yes votes. Martin, the guitar player and singer was well-liked by Amanda and Piers and the audience and got two yes votes. Simon thought his act was terrible - amd then Martin's mother-in-law marched out to tell Simon off about knocking Martin's confidence. That was quite funny. The auditons are finished now. After the adverts, the judges will reveal the final 40 who will compete in the semi-finals, starting tomorrow. Well, they are padding this show out aren't they? They showed the judges discussing the verious acts and showed clips from the previous episodes and then it went to another load of adverts. So, now they are going to finally announce their decision. They brought people out in groups and told them as a group whether they were going through to the semi-finals or not. Some of the acts they said no to were a complete surprise but most of the people going through were predictable - like Susan Boyle and Jamie Pugh. And here's the list of The Final 40 (in alphabetical order). Tomorrow night Britain's Got Talent goes live and the public gets to vote. It should be very interesting! Related posts from my blog: Britain's Got Talent 2009: Singing sensation Susan Boyle Britain's Got Talent 2009: Hollie Steel - little girl with a big voice Britain's Got Talent: Episode 4: Jamie Pugh sings "Bring Him Home" - another star in the making Britain's Got Talent: Episode 5 - Shaun Smith impresses judges Britain's Got Talent: Episode 6 : 11-yr-old Aiden Davis steals the show Britain's Got Talent:The first of the live semi-finals - Susan Boyle is singing tonight (Sunday, May 24, 2009)

Ellen DeGeneres gives commencement speech at Tulane University

I love this funny and uplifting commencement speech by Ellen DeGeneres at Tulane University, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States:

Historic day: House of Commons Speaker, Michael Martin quits

This news is quite remarkable and makes today a historic one: Speaker Michael Martin quits: I will step down on June 21 Michael Martin announced his resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons today, the first Speaker to be forced from office for more than 300 years. (link via timesonline.co.uk) It was all over in just 35 seconds: Mr Martin said: “I always feel the House is at its best when it is united. In order that unity can be retained I have decided I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday 21 June. “This will allow the House to proceed to elect a new Speaker on Monday 22 June. “That is all I have to say on this matter.” Profile: Michael Martin (link via politics.co.uk) And now the big question is: Who will be the next Speaker? (link via FT.com/Westminster Blog) What do you think of all this? Do you think the resignation of Michael Martin will be enough to start to rebuild public trust in Parliament in the aftermath of the MPs' expense claims scandal?

The Great British Summer Haiku Competition - on Twitter!

This is a cool way to use Twitter: Yoko Ono to judge tweet poetry Twitter users are being given the chance to have short, summer poems broadcast on display boards at London's King's Cross station - and judged by the likes of Yoko Ono. Budding Wordsworths can text in their three-line, 17 syllable ditties - known as haikus - from today and one will be shown every 20 minutes to the station's 110,000 daily passengers. (link via metro.co.uk) The Great British Summer Haiku Competition! To enter, just “tweet” your Haiku using your existing Twitter account with the phrase @kingsplace at the begining and it will be picked up by the Kings Place Twitter account. The competition will run between Monday 18 May and Friday 22 May, with the entered Haikus being submitted to Yoko Ono and leading UK poet Jackie Kay MBE for judging.

Britain's Got Talent: Episode 6 : 11-yr-old Aiden Davis steals the show

Britain's Got Talent: Episode 6 Tonight's show started out with a lot of disappointing acts but it finally started to get better when the hip-hop troupe of girls Sugar Free performed their act. Simon thought they were "terrific". They got three yes votes. The sweet elderly lady, Brenda Isaacs, sang very badly so no surprises that all four judges buzzed no and Simon said, "The truth is that no one would pay to hear you sing." A grandfather, John (76) and his granddaughter, Sallie (12) - 2 Grand - sang "A Whole New World" and Piers said they charmed the audience. Simon said they were just too sweet but the other judges voted yes for them to go through. I thought they were very sweet but their singing wasn't particularly good. I love the name of their act though. The large dance group doing the very fast dance routine were very good and got four yes votes. The two men called What A Palaver, who were naked apart from various handbags they held to cover their bits were just silly. Faces of Disco got voted through although I didn't think they deserved to be. Yes, they were entertaining but not really talented. They simply danced while wearing various masks of famous people like a mask of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh or Posh and Becks. Sweet little 10-year-old Natalie Okri impressed the judges with her version of Alicia Keys' "No One". Simon told her 'I think you are totally and utterly adorable', and she got four yes votes. Floral Highnotes was Helena, singing opera while Ian arranged flowers. That was a strange act. The last act, 11-year-old Aiden Davis danced and impressed the audience and the judges with his incredible talent. I'm not surprised that he got voted through by the judges. Related posts from my blog: Britain's Got Talent 2009: Singing sensation Susan Boyle Britain's Got Talent 2009: Hollie Steel - little girl with a big voice Britain's Got Talent: Episode 4: Jamie Pugh sings "Bring Him Home" - another star in the making Britain's Got Talent: Episode 5 - Shaun Smith impresses judges Britain's Got Talent 7 - final auditions & The Final 40 Britain's Got Talent:The first of the live semi-finals - Susan Boyle is singing tonight (Sunday, May 24, 2009)

ConservativeHome launches anti-BNP web campaign

ConservativeHome launches anti-BNP web campaign: There's Nothing British About the BNP Sign the petition: Online petition - There's nothing British about the BNP

Robinson's Be Natural 'Bird House' Advert

I love this advert! It's full of so many amusing details such as bird-feet shaped wellies, a human cuckoo clock, and worms in the fridge. Robinsons Bird House Advert

Jamie Oliver plans new reality series in USA

Ryan Seacrest and British chef Jamie Oliver team for food reality show on ABC Via his burgeoning production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is partnering with British chef Jamie Oliver to create an unscripted series that aims to give healthy food makeovers to America's unhealthiest cities (link via Entertainment Weekly) I hope this show will be broadcast in the UK too. I would love to watch it.

Top London Afternoon Tea 2009 and the Tea Guild's Top UK Tea Place 2009

Best tea in London and Britain named The best place in London to enjoy a delicious cup of afternoon tea has been named as The English Tea Room, Brown’s Hotel, which has won The Tea Guild’s prestigious award for the capital. The Tea Guild has also announced that The Top Tea Place Award 2009 has been won by The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-On- Avon, Wiltshire. (link via VisitBritain.com) Brown's Hotel London - The English Tea Room The Bridge Tea Rooms - Bradford on Avon, England Congratulations to both for your awards! Well done! I'm always keen to get recommendations for traditional tea rooms. Where is your favourite tea room? Related links from the web: Afternoon Tea - This site will help you to find the perfect Afternoon Tea location in the UK London's Best Tea Rooms (link via Time Out London) Afternoon Tea in London (link via Visit London) Tea and cake places (link via teaandcake.co.uk)

Britain's Got Talent: Episode 5 - Shaun Smith impresses judges

Britain's Got Talent: Episode 5 My goodness, the first part of the show tonight consisted of some dire "talent"! I couldn't believe how awful Emma Czikai was. And she insisted on starting singing over again after Piers buzzed no and then starting over again after Simon buzzed no. Amanda let her sing for slightly longer and then mercifully buzzed for her to stop. Why is it some people who obviously can't sing, believe they can? They must not be able to hear themselves properly. She even argued with Simon by saying "You Raise Me Up" is a beautiful song and Simon replied, “It is a beautiful song – when you’re not singing it.” Quite right too! The cheating ventriloquist with the robotic bird was just silly. No surprises he got three no votes. Merlin Cadogan doing the Houdini act got three yes votes - even though Simon initially buzzed no. I thought his act was impressive although I'm not sure an escapologist will ever win in the final when you consider all the other talent that he will be competing against. The most surprising act tonight was Greg Pritchard singing "Nessun Dorma". He spoke in a normal deep voice but he sang with an incredibly high voice. He was very good though and the audience and the judges obviously enjoyed his act. Simon said, “It was like a dog miaowing. It just shouldn’t do it. But would I like a dog that miaowed? Yes I would” and so he and Amanda and Piers all said yes to his act. The dancing trio of men called the Dreambears were quite entertaining. Simon wasn't impressed but Piers and Amanda voted them through. I thought they were amusing although I think I agree with Simon voting no because they weren't really particularly talented. The best talent of the evening was definitely the personable young man, Shaun Smith, who sang "Ain't No Sunshine" and wowed both the audience and all three judges. The 17-year-old is a very talented singer. What a voice! Simon Cowell told him: "I genuinely wasn't expecting that, you remind me of Mick Hucknall, but good looking." He got three yes votes, as expected after such a sterling performance. What did you think of the show tonight? Related posts from my blog: Britain's Got Talent 2009: Singing sensation Susan Boyle Britain's Got Talent 2009: Hollie Steel - little girl with a big voice Britain's Got Talent: Episode 4: Jamie Pugh sings "Bring Him Home" - another star in the making Britain's Got Talent: Episode 6 : 11-yr-old Aiden Davis steals the show Britain's Got Talent 7 - final auditions & The Final 40 Britain's Got Talent:The first of the live semi-finals - Susan Boyle is singing tonight (Sunday, May 24, 2009)

My FREE seeds arrived today from BBC Dig In!

I love getting free stuff and I love gardening so I'm thrilled that my FREE seeds (lettuce, tomato, carrot, beetroot, and squash) arrived today! I will be very busy this weekend. I hope the weather is good. If you didn't apply for free seeds from BBC Dig In, it's too late to apply now unfortunately because according to the website, all the free seed packs have now gone. I think I was lucky I applied when I did. Related post from my blog: Apply for a FREE seed pack from BBC Dig In

Englishman wins 'Best job in the world' as caretaker of tropical island

Briton Ben Southall wins 'best job in the world' A luxurious beach villa overlooking the picturesque islands of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a far cry from the English countryside of Hampshire, but for Briton Ben Southall that will be his new home after winning “the best job in the world”. The charity fundraiser, from Petersfield, Hampshire, was today named the new caretaker of an Australian tropical island after a global search by Tourism Queensland for which 34,000 people applied. (link via timesonline.co.uk) Congratulations Ben! Well done and I look forward to reading your blog during your six months on Hamilton Island. And congratulations, Tourism Queensland for running such a clever and popular advertising campaign! The Best Job In The World Related post from my blog: Australian advert for 'best job in the world'

Prince of Wales: YouTube video about saving rainforests

Prince Charles, Harrison Ford and Dalai Lama save rainforests on YouTube The video, which is aimed at boosting awareness of the plight of the rainforests, is a compendium of as many celebrities as it is possible to cram into one 90-second clip. As well as the Prince himself, and the Princes William and Harry, there are cameo appearances by Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Pele and the Dalai Lama. (link via timesonline.co.uk) The Prince's Rainforests Project

250 Years of Kew Gardens!

Did you know Kew Gardens is celebrating its 250th anniversary this summer? I only discovered it is because I noticed the Google logo today shows the word 'Google' inside a greenhouse. Very clever. To celebrate the anniversary, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to mark the horticultural landmark's 250th anniversary.

'Pudsey Bear' refused a passport

'Pudsey Bear' in passport fight A woman who has changed her identity to that of BBC Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear is fighting to get a passport issued under her new name. The dental receptionist, 37, from Denbighshire was told by officials her new name was "frivolous" and could also bring her problems at border controls. She said her two daughters called her "Mummy Bear" and she was Mrs Bear on her driving licence and bank cards. She has approached her MP Chris Ruane, who said he will raise the matter. (link via BBC News) For those of you don't know, Pudsey Bear (a yellow bear with a red spotted bandage) is the popular mascot and Children in Need's official logo. BBC - Children in Need is a registered charity that donates money towards projects helping disadvantaged children in the UK. When I first read this news, I thought how ridiculous for her to change her name to 'Pudsey Bear' and to expect a passport in her new name, and then to get her MP involved when I think MPs must have more important matters to contend with. However, after thinking about it more, she has legally changed her name so it should be accepted. I think she should be given a passport in her legal name (even if it does seem like a silly name). What do you think?

T-Mobile Sing-along: new advert filmed at Trafalgar Square, London

This new advert for T mobile is very cool: T-Mobile Trafalgar Square New Singing Advert 30/4/2009 On 30th April 2009 as a follow-up to their successful Liverpool Street Flash-Mob Dance Advert; T-mobile arranged a large karaoke at Trafalgar Square, London. T-Mobile provided the crowd with microphones and then got them to sing along to a number of tunes; including Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time"; The Foundations' "Build Me Up Buttercup" and as shown here; "Hey Jude". We saw the advert tonight for the first time during the "Britain's Got Talent" show. It would have been so cool to be in Trafalgar Square at the time! What do you think of the advert?

Britain's Got Talent: Episode 4: Jamie Pugh sings "Bring Him Home" - another star in the making

It's Saturday night and I'm watching the fourth show of the series, Britain's Got Talent. So far tonight, the "talent" has been absolutely terrible until a couple girls playing keyboard and electric violin performed and were buzzed off but then... Simon called back the girl playing the violin, Sue Son, and told her she could come back for another chance to audition but it would have to be on her own. And she did, and she was fantastic. It was no surprise that all three judges said yes to her. I loved the performance by the cute 12 year-old boy, Callum Francis, singing "Consider Yourself" from Oliver, and was pleased when all three judges said yes. He had the sweetest grin on his face, and seemed like a delightful little boy with a natural talent. The three charming elderly ladies (called Knit 'n' Natter) teaching finger-knitting while music played were very sweet but definitely not a talent worthy of winning so no surprise that they were buzzed off, although Piers said yes - to be kind I think. The guy performing "lip saxophone" was hysterical. I know he thought he was talented but my goodness, he didn't even sound like a saxophone. But Amanda and Piers voted yes for his act. Unbelievable! I agree with Simon when he said he sounded like a baby crying. The last act was definitely the best. Wow! Jamie Pugh is an incredibly beautiful singer. He's a pizza delivery man but I have a feeling not for much longer! The poor man was obviously shaking from stage fright while he sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables but his voice was simply stunning. The whole audience were on their feet. Simon Cowell told him, "Its people like you who are the reason why we come to Wales every year, I think you could be a special talent, but you have to start believing in yourself." He got three yes votes from the judges. Jamie Pugh: Britains Got Talent Episode 4 What did you think of episode 4? What do you think of the series so far? I think a lot of people presumed Susan Boyle will win but I wonder if they are so certain now. There are other very talented contestants. There's also 12-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi from the second show and 10-year-old Hollie Steel, from the third show. And of course, Jamie Pugh, from tonight's show. I think Jamie has a very good chance of winning the competition. What do you think? Related posts from my blog: Brtain's Got Talent 2009: Singing sensation Susan Boyle Britain's Got Talent 2009: Hollie Steel - little girl with a big voice Britain's Got Talent: Episode 5 - Shaun Smith impresses judges Britain's Got Talent: Episode 6 : 11-yr-old Aiden Davis steals the show Britain's Got Talent 7 - final auditions & The Final 40 Britain's Got Talent:The first of the live semi-finals - Susan Boyle is singing tonight (Sunday, May 24, 2009)